By Ayo Ayodele
The Archbishop of Ibadan Province, Dr. Williams Aladekugbe, has called on clergy and ministers of the Gospel to intensify their efforts in helping individuals navigate through tough times, particularly as they battle depression, hopelessness, and even suicidal thoughts. He stressed the importance of delivering powerful messages that encourage people to remain hopeful and faithful amidst adversity.
Speaking during the inaugural Distinguished Alumni Lecture of the Department of Religious Studies, Faculty of Arts, University of Ibadan, over the weekend, Archbishop Aladekugbe emphasized the urgent need for more sermons, teachings, and spiritual guidance to fortify the faith of Christians, especially in the face of Nigeria’s ongoing economic hardships. He described the current economic situation as temporary, urging the faithful to endure with patience and unwavering trust in God.
The lecture, titled “The Faith Once Delivered to the Saints in the Context of Contemporary Socio-Economic Challenges,” took place at the Otunba Subomi Balogun Conference Centre at the University of Ibadan.
Aladekugbe, who is also the Bishop of Ibadan North Anglican Diocese, touched on the intersection of faith and political challenges in his lecture. He lamented that the current economic crisis has led to widespread disillusionment, with many Nigerians questioning their faith and expressing frustration over their political leaders. The Archbishop noted that the economic hardships have sparked heated debates on social media and in public spaces, as people’s faith in the political system continues to dwindle.
“It has become evident that the situation is unbearable for the citizens of Nigeria,” Aladekugbe stated. “Across the country, from social media platforms to street conversations, voices are rising in despair. People are asking, ‘God, where are you?’ as they face the relentless weight of these economic woes.”
The Archbishop emphasized the critical role of the clergy during such challenging times, urging ministers to ramp up their efforts to combat depression and hopelessness among their congregations. He called for more spiritually enriching lectures, sermons, and teachings that can help Christians maintain their faith and remain resilient in the face of adversity.
“The clergy must rise to the occasion,” he said. “At a time like this, the church has a responsibility to help people overcome depression, despair, and perhaps even prevent tragic decisions like suicide. We must keep the faith alive and remind the faithful that these trying times are temporary, and we will emerge stronger.”
Aladekugbe also addressed the widespread fears plaguing Nigerian society, such as fears of poverty, an uncertain future, and societal breakdown. He warned that these fears, which many people harbor, can only be alleviated through faith.
“Today, many Nigerians live in constant fear—fear of poverty, fear of the unknown, fear of tomorrow. These fears, while real, cannot be solved through anxiety. Faith is the key to overcoming them,” he said. “The society’s religious life has been overshadowed by fear, but faith remains the solution. In times like these, we must remind people to place their trust in God, as He is the ultimate source of divine intervention.”
Reflecting on the various challenges faced by Christians today, Aladekugbe reminded his audience that faith, not fear, is the path to overcoming adversity. He emphasized that the church must continue to be a beacon of hope, guiding people toward a faith-based response to life’s difficulties.
“The problems Christians face today cannot be solved through fear,” he stated. “In response to the fears in society, we must lay emphasis on faith as the solution to our collective challenges. God must remain the central reference point for those who seek a practical resolution to life’s struggles.”
The Archbishop concluded by expressing his gratitude to the Department of Religious Studies for the opportunity to speak at the event and thanked the guests for their support. He noted that the significance of the lecture lay in its ability to offer the Church a platform to address the socio-economic issues facing Nigeria today and offer the wisdom of the faith to help guide people through these turbulent times.
Dr. Aladekugbe, who was a former Diploma and Master’s student in the department, also reflected on his academic journey at the University of Ibadan, underscoring how his experiences there have shaped his approach to addressing the current challenges facing Nigeria.
In closing, Aladekugbe reminded all present that the Church’s response to contemporary challenges must remain grounded in faith, as it is the foundation upon which Christians can build resilience and hope.